App – Microsoft’s Outlook App for the iPhone is great (so far) for those of us who have to use exchange for our work-lives. I get that it’s a rebrand of some technology that Microsoft bought, but from my point of view I’m less concerned about the app’s origin and mostly concerned w/ functionality.

Book – I didn’t read much in January, but I did enjoy* (with the caveat that “enjoy” is constrained to the genre, and the rules of the genre, thus a business book is always just an insight or two wrapped in a litany of stories that are an odd mix of poor decisions or common sense) Scaling Excellence: Getting to more without settling for less.

TV – PBS’s “Shakespeare Uncovered” is good. The King Lear episode might make you rethink how original “Empire” is. Also, Star Wars: Rebels manages to channel the spirit of Star Wars in an enjoyable way.

Events/Speakers – You should try to see Cornel West in person. He’s very present in his surroundings and engaged with his audience. Also, if there are more events surrounding the School Project in Chicago, you should go. Passionately committed people trying to figure out how to make education work in chicago (particularly after the school closings).